There Is no better pillow than peace of mind

BY GEORGE SHEPPARD

I recently read, “There is no better pillow than peace of mind.”  For many, it seems that peace and simplicity go hand in hand. At times, our lives become complicated, too busy, often with many things seemingly out of our control.  We are often going into overdrive as a: parent, partner, son/daughter, sibling, employee, and friend. However, the one thing that constantly gets put on hold is “self.”  “Me and I” stop getting the attention and care so desperately needed “from ourselves.”

Being true to you can be difficult.  We live in an age where there is an excessive amount of useless information; often gossip under the guise of social media. Yet, we fall down the rabbit hole of not celebrating the successes of others and pushing ourselves to acquire more “stuff.”  Where, in all of that, does peace and simplicity lie?  Is it in money, or in one more car?

Whenever we are faced with difficulties, troubling events, or trauma, the things that bring the peace we ultimately crave seem to be revealed more easily.  Inevitably, it is the little things, simple things that resonate with us, touching us in a way that is unique to each person. Things that I may find relaxing and bring peace may not even register with someone else. That is the beauty of knowing yourself, in being “the subject of your own life” after being the giver for longer than you can recall.  In reclaiming your peace, putting yourself first is not selfish it is essential.

If we want a life that is filled with peace and simplicity, void of drama, we may each have different ideas how to attain that. Our peace is fluid; it changes and shifts. It is different for everyone. For some it may be opening your world up to people, while it may also require removing people from your life. No one else can decide what brings you joy and peace. While solitude has a place, being part of a community can be the anchor in chaotic times.

I do not offer a guide to living peacefully; that would be foolish of me. However, never underestimate the impact that little gestures we make can mean to others. Imagine a family loses a loved one, and it happens you were linked to that loss through your work.  As the family grieves, you deliver some food for them, along with a little note. Over time, you do not think of it again, until a member of that family meets you at the supermarket and says, “We still have your note on our refrigerator.”  It’s the little things. Kindness always has a place.

Filling our time with things that touch us, helps us feel grounded, can include that all too infrequent walk to a favourite place, carrying out an activity like cooking, or gardening with an elderly family member, not participating in gossip and overly dramatic conversations; just “let them” say what they want as you have a life to live … on your terms.

Enjoying nature in all forms, the splendor of sunrises and sunsets, singing out loud, on a solo drive to music that touches your soul (doesn’t matter if you can sing), playing with a furry four-legged friend, watching snow fall from the night sky with not a sound, or breeze, sitting on a beach as gentle waves roll and you skip rocks, all for the benefit of your inner peace. These are all simple things, and they are perfect … to me.

Inevitably, simple things, the little things, become big things to a life of peace and simplicity. In being the subject of your own life, it is your peace of mind that will lead to easier days, fulfilling nights, and become a pillow upon which to rest and relax.

You deserve it.